Navigating PHIT Internship Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

The intersection of public health, information technology, and data science is rapidly evolving, creating a growing demand for professionals skilled in Population Health Informatics and Technology (PHIT). Internships are crucial for gaining practical experience in this field. This article provides a detailed overview of PHIT internships, focusing on opportunities, requirements, and pathways to success.

What is the PHIT Minor?

The Population Health Informatics and Technology (PHIT) minor is an interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with the skills to use information systems, computer science, and technology to improve public health practice and research. Offered by UMass Lowell’s Department of Public Health, the PHIT minor is accessible to students from various academic backgrounds.

Who Can Minor in PHIT?

The PHIT minor is open to all students, regardless of their major. While students in Public Health, Computer Science, and Business might find it easier to integrate PHIT courses into their schedules, any student can pursue this minor. The interdisciplinary nature of PHIT makes it a valuable addition to any field of study.

PHIT Minor Credit Requirements

The PHIT minor requires the completion of 18 credits, which translates to six classes. This manageable credit load allows students to pursue PHIT alongside their primary field of study.

Combining PHIT in Undergraduate and Graduate Programs

Students enrolled in a Bachelor's to Master's (B2M) program can integrate PHIT courses into both their undergraduate and graduate studies. This provides a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the field, enhancing their career prospects.

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Career Opportunities with PHIT Education

A PHIT education significantly enhances career opportunities in public health and healthcare. Entry-level job titles directly related to PHIT include:

Health Information Specialist
Clinical Informaticist
Population Health Analyst
HER Data Manager

These roles leverage the skills and knowledge gained through PHIT coursework, making graduates highly competitive in the job market.

CCPHIT and Internship Opportunities

The Community College Public Health Informatics Technology (CCPHIT) program is designed to provide students with access to paid internship opportunities. As part of the CCPHIT course curriculum, students receive support in connecting with employers and placement sites. CCPHIT has established contracts with community organizations across the United States, offering a wide range of internship placements that align with public health and health technology fields.

Getting Started with CCPHIT

Interested individuals can join the CCPHIT program by filling out an interest form. Additional details about the program, pathways, and internship opportunities can be found in the CCPHIT Program Handbook.

For-Credit Pathway Internship Stipends

Students pursuing a for-credit internship through the CCPHIT program are eligible for stipends upon completing the required internship hours. The stipend amount varies based on the student's level:

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Associate Level: 80 total hours
Undergraduate Level: 120 total hours
Graduate Level: 200-220 total hours

Not-For-Credit Pathway Internship Stipends

Students pursuing a not-for-credit internship are also eligible for stipends based on the completion of required hours:

Not-for-Credit Level: 60 total hours

Organizations Offering Internships

CCPHIT students have had the opportunity to intern at a diverse range of organizations, including:

Esri (Environmental Systems Research Institute)
American Red Cross, So Cal Region
CAL2CAL Corp
CSULB Center for Global Health
Elimu Informatics
HLN Consulting
Boston Congress of Public Health
Avenda Health
Long Beach Forward
CSULB Center for Latino Community Health, Evaluation, and Leadership Training
Evofem Biosciences
Darena Solutions
American Heart Association
Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services
MiOra
OtisHealth
Planned Parenthood, San Bernardino
Wehealth
Lettuce Gather, LLC
113 Industries
Manijeh Berenji MD Consulting Inc
Community Action Partnership of Orange County
Epilepsy Support Network of Orange County

This list demonstrates the breadth of opportunities available to CCPHIT students, spanning various sectors and areas of public health.

Contact Information for CCPHIT

For any questions related to CCPHIT, including coursework and internships, individuals are encouraged to contact the CCPHIT Co-Director.

Considerations for International Students

Due to processing requirements, the GET PHIT team is unable to process applications (paid or unpaid) for international students. International students are encouraged to explore other opportunities available at their home institutions.

Read also: Internship Opportunities

GET PHIT Internship Availability

GET PHIT Internships are scheduled to be available in the years 2023, 2024, and 2025. Interested individuals should check back for updates to the schedule.

Defining Informatics in Public Health

The Public Health Informatics Institute defines informatics as “the process by which raw data turn into digestible information and, subsequently, knowledge.” A GET PHIT internship provides the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for understanding and addressing informatics-related issues in public health work.

Competencies Developed Through GET PHIT Internships

Interns have the opportunity to develop a wide range of competencies, such as those outlined in the Applied Public Health Informatics Competency Model. These competencies are essential for success in the field of public health informatics.

Prerequisites for GET PHIT Internships

Extensive knowledge, advanced-level skills, or previous work experience in public health informatics are not required to be considered for a GET PHIT internship. However, undergraduate students must complete the GET PHIT bootcamp prior to being considered.

Project Variety and Opportunities

Project will vary and depend on the host site/organization you are matched with. There are both virtual and remote opportunities. However, this is dependent on each host site and their capacity.

Host Site Requirements for GET PHIT Interns

Organizations interested in becoming a host site for GET PHIT interns must have the capacity to provide one or more students with a 160-hour internship and available projects that can help develop or strengthen informatics-related skills and competencies. A signed letter of affiliation must be provided before an organization can participate as a host site.

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